Category Archives: working out with a trainer

SUMMER SOLSTICE NEW BEGINNING

June 21st 2021

Monday.

Good Morning to all. Happy New Beginnings. It’s the week of the Summer Solstice, and to me it’s the perfect time to start over. Yes, I have been starting over for four years now, usually with zero success. I’ve been a literal yo yo, up and down, lose ten gain five. After the pandemic and a lot of soul searching and feeling like €&@%, I decided to have another go at it.

I have a lot of plans and goals, but I’m starting with the basics first, fitness, fun, and food. I now have a personal trainer I’m working with named Kristi, Tuesday’s post will be all about her. I’m also looking to my bestie and fitness expert Melissa Bender Fitness. I’m using the lose it app and cleaning up my act. I’m plan to work on new routines, planning and living life to the fullest. I want to love the skin I’m in again. It all begins with a commitment to health. My plans will include ballroom dancing, yoga and meditation.

This post today is a short one, just to announce I’m back, and I’m counting down from the summer solstice to my winter solstice Birthday. I love time challenges, they really motivate me.

My starting weight is 186 lbs. I plan to take a fat measurement test and do measurements. To mark my starting point.

This time I will get it right. My favorite quote as if late is actually from my husband James, “Don’t think, just do.”

Happy Happy New Beginnings.

Love and Light,
Rose

 

 

 

 

Weight Watchers Online

Sometimes you need help and guidance. I recently started working out with my personal trainer Bethany, my best friend Melissa Benderfitness has amazing fitness and yoga videos I follow, but I was struggling with food. I finally caved in after realizing I can’t do it alone and I joined Weight Watchers Online and downloaded the app. They now call themselves WW and their latest program is called freestyle. It focuses on good nutrition but no food is outlawed.

I’m vegan but occasionally I like vegan fun foods, I can lose weight, have my vegan cake and eat it too. Portion control will help me feel in control, and I will learn to focus again on clean nutrition but not freak out if I have a little vegan treat once in a while. For me WW gives me power over food, anyone who suffers eating disorders understands the power food can have over you. I can’t live like that any longer. Today is my day two and I feel great. This program is livable and sustainable.

My  journey includes fitness. I am doing cardio five to six days a week. I’m working out with my trainer once a week, but soon as I learn what she’s teaching me I will do the workouts 2-3 times a week plus Melissa Benderfitness videos and yoga. I’m on this. I try to do my cardio outdoors when I can, there’s nothing like mobile meditation with nature as your backdrop. Below is me in May 2017 right before my Mom passed away and our move from LA to Houston.  I was in great shape, I did it once, I’m going to do it again. 

Well I’m off for now. I picked a charity for my next ten pound weight loss. I will post soon, I want to use the laptop for that so I can include all of their links. Monday I weighed in at 184.4. It’s ok, I got this. Love and Light to all. We are on this journey together, we can lift each other up as we each go about trying to reach our destinations. The journey is the reward. 

 

 

 

GOALS

Happy Friday to all. As I start anew I’m starting to set goals again. Im fighting some fatigue this second time around, I work late and usually I don’t get to bed late. I may do a lot of my workouts at 11 or 12 midnight since I’m so wired after work. My fatigue only hits me in the morning when I wake up, so prepping meals and giving myself time to wake up and have a morning routine before work is easier for me and my schedule. 

I am so blessed to have Bethany as my trainer, and to have Melissa Bender Fitness videos and guidance. I may join WW online to help me with my food monitoring. It’s a great program and it takes the fear away of food being good vs bad, it’s all food. As a vegan I’m trying to make sure I get everything I need, but WW will help with little splurges within reason. It helps keep me from binges. I’m signing up Monday. Today I weighed in at 183 lbs. 

My trainer Bethany and Melissa Bender Fitness are the experts,  but as a former dancer and this being my second go at fitness, I do have a lot of knowledge about proper form and the body. I’m beginning my studying for the American Council of Exercise group exercise certification, and I hope to take the exam in the fall. After being in the Richard Simmons Video, and taking two classes with him weekly I was so inspired. I thought, this is what I love, I can do this to. So my plan is to pass the exam and teach upbeat, inspirational dance aerobics classes like he did. I’m a dancer and this is in my heart and soul, it’s the one thing missing from my life. Once a dancer, always a dancer. I will leave the heavy exercise to the professionals, and do that only as a student and not a teacher. My plan is to learn to teach all the areas I excel in, stretching, dance, etc. I’m really excited about this new chapter and I have quite a lot of work to do to get there. 

I have chosen a new charity to get involved with once I lose ten pounds. I’m going to first lose 3 more pounds since I went up 3 lbs since Easter. So when I reach 170 lbs I will be volunteering alongside my trainer Bethany at a local non-profit near and dear to my heart. I will announce this Monday, the day I join WW online and do another weigh in. We also plan to register for a 5k locally and take a yoga class. I’m dying to study ballroom but unfortunately that’s not on my budget at the moment. More goals to come but I think this is a good head start.

It’s Mothers Day weekend and I wish everyone who is a Mother a Happy Mothers Day. That includes all the wonderful women who take care and love their companion animals. It’s your Mothers Day too. Happy Unconditional Love Day. Mothers Day and May 21st are not easy days for me, since I lost my Mom May 21st 2017. I send love and hugs to my sisters who feel exactly like I do, and all of you who also lost a beloved Mother. My Mother would expect me to keep going and never give up on my goals. She would always say to keep trying, all they can say is no. 

Love and Light 

Rose

 

5 Things I Did To Start Losing Weight

wetsuit
One of my next items on my fitness bucket list is to surf in the Mighty Pacific. I would never have attempted this if I did not lose weight. I feel completely ageless.Here I am in my first very own wetsuit.

I meet a lot of people, and I talk to everyone. I met someone the other day who was so upset about his weight gain, and after speaking to me he later emailed me about his new resolve to do something about it. I explained to him it is only weight, we can gain weight and we can lose weight. To lose weight just takes a choice, and then action. Now he decided to take action, and I believe he will be a success.

Everyone has that light bulb moment when they decide the time is now to lose weight and become fit. I had two of those moments, but for me it was the second moment that struck a chord. My first moment was in 2011. I went to a Dr. in Beverly Hills who basically fat shamed me to the point of tears. I was walking home weeping and I was stopped by the Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino. He wanted my business card, he said he was interested in putting me in his latest movie. I was crying about the Dr. and blew my one moment. I did not have a business card with me, and because of how belittled I felt from the previous moment I just shared my name with Mr.Tarantino. This is why confidence is so important, opportunity will walk right past you if you do not have the confidence to bring your dreams to a fruition.
Rose Bruno Bailey Before Pictures
My second moment was the one that stuck in 2013. It was 2 years after the Quentin Tarantino moment, and I went to an open mic to read my poetry. I felt great, and I thought I looked great. My friend took a photo of me at the microphone, a photo that made me really look at myself for the first time in a long time. I did not think I was thin or fit, but I had convinced myself I was just a little chubby. I was beyond chubby, I was obese and the scale would soon cement my heavy weight of over 210 lbs. It took a few months but it was that moment when I decided to combine my weight loss efforts with helping others. Two years later, fifty pounds lighter and happier than I have been in a long time. Oh, and I put off my opportunity of getting my poetry book published back in 2013 because I lacked confidence. I am happy I will be a first time author in a few months. No more waiting for life to find me, I am finding life.
colllage
As I am busy finding life I am also trying to break a plateau and move forward with my fitness goals and philanthropy. I have maintained my weight loss and exercise routine. I am now looking into all kinds of adventures as I move forward. It was that  2013 aha moment and the new routine I developed for myself that made me stay the course.
Here are the five things that kick started my weight loss journey
1. It sometimes takes a vulnerable moment to make you change. Do not wallow in the moment, use it to motivate you. Get on the scale, face your demons and tackle those pounds one day at a time. Start today!!
2. Find your tribe. I was in a Richard Simmons video, which introduced me to so many inspirational new friends. My best friend Melissa Bender was my biggest supporter. My new friend Mike Morello offered to help me and train me and he stuck with it even when I whined and complained. The list goes on and on but I never did any of it alone. Do not be afraid to get a little help from your friends new or old.
3.Find what works for your body in regards to exercise and nutrition. I began with Weight Watchers, and soon enough figured about how to eat. I did not really love running until this year thanks to Melissa Bender Fitness and being 50 lbs lighter. Before my weight loss I enjoyed speed walking.  If you love what you are doing you will stick to it. Exercise and eating right is like brushing your teeth. Daily movement and healthy daily eating are the keys to success. Lace up those sneakers and get moving. I once crawled in the dirt and I was horrified, and now I am not only 50 lbs lighter but I am no longer afraid to get dirty and be one with nature. Your journey may change how you view yourself.
4. Weekly weigh ins and keeping a food journal. This will keep you accountable and you can track how you are doing. The largest weight loss is in the beginning.
5. Believe you can do this, and do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Keep going, keep moving, and love yourself. Love the body you are in today and know you are headed in the direction of health and self confidence. Trust me it feels amazing.
With love to all enduring the struggle, it is just weight. It comes on, and just as easily it can come off. You just have to work at the weight loss and fitness part. You can do it. It really is all about the work, but the rewards are magnificent.
Namaste’
Rose

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2015

Happy New Year to all.  I am really looking forward to accomplishing all of my goals in 2015, and I am extremely excited for what is to come. I feel to move forward it is always good to take a glance behind and know where you are coming from. I am a firm believer in reflecting on what was so you can learn from your successes and failures.

Here are a couple photos from my 2014, mostly photos to show my weight loss and fitness accomplishments.  I am grateful to all who helped shape my journey and I feel blessed to have encountered so many amazing souls. My trainer Mike pictured below with his dog Apollo, changed my path for this project. I assumed I would exercise by speed walking, take some dance classes and help make a difference by sponsoring a charity with each ten pounds I lost. Mike offered to train me and opened up my mind and introduced me to a fitness world beyond my dreams, and I am forever grateful to him for his time, expertise, and friendship. Now it is time for me to go forward on my own. A new direction but still on the same journey,  Onward and upward in 2015. 

Love and Light

Namaste’

Rose

colllage

RELOCATING TO SAN FRANCISCO

I do Love LA



I have been very quiet here, and it is because I felt I had nothing to say. September has been full of uncertainty and transition. My husband James took a job up in San Francisco last week, a position he was interviewing with for about a month. In that period, I did not know if we would stay or go. We were in limbo, and the waiting was so stressful. All of the goals I had for September were put off, after all how can you sign up for classes if you are not sure you will still be here? 

At this same time my trainer Mike was going through transitions of his own, moving into a new apartment and we were not able to work out. I still kept up walking, running, and yoga but I found the more I got stressed out about my possible move the more I slacked off a little. My diet is still on point, right now that is the only arena in my life I have control over. I love my LA home and I am very sad to go, but on the same note I look forward to a brand new adventure in San Francisco. I am so proud of my husband James, he truly is a determined go getter and relentless when it comes to getting what he wants in his career. 

There is a quiet kind of loneliness when you find out you are moving to a brand new place. I cannot explain it, but all of a sudden for a fleeting moment you feel very alone in the world.

I knew with Mike’s transitions and my own impending move that our workouts would be coming to an end soon, I felt that this possible move to San Francisco would happen and it did. It was exactly four years ago James and I made the move from our beloved big apple to the city of angels. NYC to LA in a span of three weeks time in September 2010. The timing was just too similar, and I felt that this would happen exactly like it did back in 2010. My intuition was on par as usual. At the time I was so sad to leave NYC behind, but I felt it was time for a change. I grew to fall in love with sunny Los Angeles. Leaving is not as effortless now.

My trainer and friend Mike and I will keep in touch, and we are still planning on working on my goals from afar, and I plan to come down to LA to take my surfing lessons, trapeze classes etc. I also have a lot of goals for my new life in San Francisco, to begin this project with a new city and that iconic Golden Gate as my backdrop. I will talk more about my  new goals in the near future. I am forever grateful to my Mike who began as a stranger I worked with and hardly knew, to trainer, coach, and friend. Now I consider him a friend for life. Distance does not take that away. When I become close friends with someone, I am that forever. I thank him for his patience, time, and kindness, and for giving me the keys to fitness. 

Mike my trainer and friend and  adorable Apollo



My last ten pound charity is wrapping up, I received more books from a generous friend Mary who delivered them to my work. She is a lovely soul I met one day at work, and we have kept in touch. Even though her life is busy, she took the time to deliver a bag of beautiful books for children. I will deliver all the books to Reading to Kids before we make the drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to our new home by the bay.

beauty by the bay




So much to think about my head is spinning. I may just go to the pool today and erase the day.
Namaste’
Love and Light
across the miles always
Rose

MOMENTUM

Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” 
― Ralph Waldo Emerson


This quote is my new motto, and I am going to make a list of to do’s, wants and needs for each month. Feed my body, mind and soul, and accomplish all of my goals. I will stick to the wisdom this amazing writer shared with us. I think I have done pretty well so far.

I was out of town for two days, my husband James and I drove down to Orange County to spend some time with his twin brother Patrick who was in town. We stopped at some beautiful spots and I took some photos. My brother in law Patrick said he never saw me look this thin, even back in 2005. This was me back in Summer 2005. There was a full length mirror in the hotel, and I looked at my reflection with awe. I do not own a full length mirror so I was asking if that is what I look like. I am now grasping that I have come a long way. I still have a long journey ahead and a ton of goals.

Summer 2005



Ranchos  Palos Verdes

Back to work for a few days before I leave for Las Vegas tomorrow. I worked out with my trainer Mike last night, who I will kindly for now will call the Drill Sergeant. All in good fun of course, he knows how appreciative I am of him. He is pushing me harder now, and my allergies were killing me so breathing felt like an impossible feat. I am getting pretty strong though, and doing exercises with my hands over my head was not as difficult as it was last week. My foot felt good and I ate enough. I am trying to take my workouts and fitness goals to another level. I have so many things on my bucket list, and milestone list to accomplish.

I am still collecting books for my book drive. My next ten pound charity will bring me to about 157 lbs. I am planning an idea and I will post all about that soon.
Coffee, Think Thin bar for now. I work out with Mike again after work tonight. Then I have to do laundry, pack and get ready to leave for Las Vegas. Diet challenges always when I am away, but I am up for any challenge that comes in my directon.

Namaste’
Happy Wednesday to all

TRAINING WITH TRX



My workout yesterday with Mike was challenging, and I mean that in the best possible way. I hope they continue to challenge and change me. We did mostly TRX yesterday, and I admit I really love using that tool to work out. Mike hooks the TRX to the tree and we are able to do all of these exercises right outside in the park. I love working out in the outdoors, one year later I am no stranger to dirt. When things get hard I try to look up and focus on the trees.

I workout with Mike again Friday, and after work today I will be doing some speed walking, no running for now until I get used to not wrapping my toe any longer. My foot hurts a lot less now, and that is such a relief. Who knew wrapping my toe was cutting off my circulation. Mike taught me how to rub a tennis ball over my calves to loosen up the muscles. 

I made some new dog friends, a huge teddy bear of a dog and this little thing named Rudy. I love the movie Rudy, and all I think about was that last scene when everyone chants Rudy’s name at the Notre Dame Football Stadium. Rudy, Rudy, Rudy!! A must see if you are looking for inspiration.

The Book Drive is still going on, I am taking more time to get the most books possible. I am weighing myself every few weeks now, just so I do not get crazy with the scale. I will step on next week sometime. I am doing everything the same food wise, I just needed a break from weekly weigh ins for now. Last I weighed I was 167 and I plan on being in the 150’s soon, and picking a new charity project. I also want to really, really progress in my workouts. Time to take it up a notch. 

Off for now. Coffee, and some attention from my Siamese cats, who are high maintenance and always want attention.

Namaste’
Love and Light
Rose

ONE YEAR LATER

Here is a photo of me at the Richard Simmons Video Shoot on July 8th 2013 and a recent of of me. Update I now weigh 167 lbs one year later. I was 210 lbs last summer. I started writing on this blog July 6th 2013 but did not get into the full swing of diet and workouts until July 17th 2013, which was my first workout with Mike my trainer. One year later, 42 lbs lost and lots of new friends gained. I continue on my journey, loving the wild ride. Where will it take me? I do not know.

Happy Monday, back to work.
Love and Light
Namaste’
Rose


FOLLOWING THROUGH



It is almost the one year anniversary of this blog, and I remember saying I will always follow through with what I say I will do. That promise began when I was set to be in the Richard Simmons Video. I was not feeling well days before, and I almost backed out. Then I decided to stick to my word and it changed me in so many ways. I met the best people at that video shoot, and I had the best time ever. Almost one year later I find myself reflecting on that promise I made, and continue to make to myself over and over.

I have experienced some personal challenges in the last five days, life’s stresses that we all have them from time to time. Sometimes though, I get so caught up I forget how to breathe. I am coming out of the worry now, and back to work on all of my goals. I had a few days of rest because I strained my knee a bit, and now I my plan is to work out and focus my energy like I in the very beginning. Totally motivated and inspired.  No excuses, I am going to work super hard on my exercise and diet like this is the first day of my blog. Back to square one.

Yesterday I had plans to meet my friend Francie and her Mother Fran for lunch in Beverly Hills. She asked me if I was up to it, and I said yes. I had made a commitment and I followed through, plus I so wanted to meet Fran. I am so happy I did, Fran is as lovely as I imagined her to be and I am blessed to be friends with Francie and well as Fran. Guess where I met Francie? The Richard Simmons Video. No regrets, follow through with promises.

So it is Tuesday, and I am focusing on focusing, breathing, and my weight watchers points. Yes, I am back to counting. It is funny when life throws you curve balls you tend to skip meals and forget how to eat balanced and healthy. Back to the drawing board for me, working out with Mike my trainer tonight. A lot has happened since our last workout less than a week ago, and I am going to have to get my hyper energy back.

To quote one of my favorite movies of all time, It’s A Wonderful Life
Dear George, remember, no man’s a failure who has friends.
I think I need to watch it soon.
Namaste’
Rose